By
Laura Hyde |
Danish ferry operator Scandlines’ new emission-free ferry Futura has successfully completed the first of two sea trials in the Sea of Mamara in Turkey.
The sea acceptance tests were completed following auxiliary systems and inclining tests at the Cemre shipyard’s outfitting quay. During the sea trial, the shipyard tested the ship’s systems under load in cooperation with Scandlines and under the supervision of Lloyd's Register. Successful completion of these tests and the first sea trial means the ship is complete and ready to sail, and the crew is trained in the ship’s operation and maintenance.
“During the ten-day sea trial, the ship’s batteries and electrical installations were tested,” said Rasmus Nielsen, vice president of fleet and administration at Scandlines. “We also got to see the propulsion system in operation for the first time.”
Once the remaining sea trial has been successfully completed, the ferry, which will accommodate up to 140 passengers and 66 freight units, will be handed over to Scandlines to begin operations on the Fehmarn Belt in the Baltic Sea, between the ports of Rødby, Denmark, and Puttgarden, Germany.
“It will be a very big day for us when we see our new ferry arrive in Rødbyhavn, and we cannot wait to put her into operation,” said Michael Guldmann Petersen, chief operations officer at Scandlines. “With our first emission-free ferry, we’re taking a huge step towards meeting our goal of operating with zero direct emissions on the Puttgarden Rødby route by 2030.”
Futura will be officially christened at a ceremony later in 2025.